Medical assistants and LPNs

tothepointeLVN, LVN · Jun 17, 2008

To put a positive spin on this post what position do MA's are MA's Forte since obvious the MA role was developed for a reason to create relief for the nursing workforce not to directly compete against it.

I love the MA's at my Dr's office they are so sweet ( expect for the one who always tells me my blood pressure is high when its not :/)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 18, 2008

That is true, we should discuss what they contribute. I know that doctors need someone to schedule appointments, do vitals, phlebotomy, EKGs, teach how to prepare for certain diagnostic and lab tests, and even more.

MAs, tell us, what do you all do in the doctor's office in addition to the things mentioned above?

LesMonsterRN, ADN, RN · Jun 18, 2008

What has occurred to me while reading this thread is that I think MAs, whether RMA, CMA or non-certified, need to have a more standardized, regulated scope of practice across the board. There can be differences from state to state, like LPNs, but for the most part I think there needs to be some set baseline no matter where they are. I believe it's in the interest of everyone on the healthcare team, especially the MAs.

treezuh_lvn · Jun 22, 2008

How can one even possibly compare the two? LPV's must pass a national licensure examination after months more of training than an MA receives. MA's are limited in the scope of practice and if one ever realizes how much more an RN can make going LPN to RN is the plan that most community colleges and universities offer.

Being an MA is good short term but in the long run... NO COMPARISON!

:argue:

softstorms · Jun 23, 2008

Guidelines and state limitations....so much has changed over the years that each of us have had our scope of practice changed even as we chat. In the end, we all look for the same thing. A way to get the education we need to do what ever part of the job we want to do. From what I have read, this changes with all of us from time to time. We start one thing, then move on or up to something else. But what we really look for is a way to be proud of what we do, no matter how we do it. It is not so much about the intitials after your name as it is about why you are there. For that....I think we are all on the same side. You will always put more into it than you get back, no matter which title you carry, you will get paid less than you are worth, you will meet great friends, and life will go on. We are all in the same boat, we need to row together.

socal99 · Jun 24, 2008

Just a few thoughts on my personal experience working with MA's....

I worked in an allergy office for seven years. I was the only nurse that whole time; the rest were MA's. The one that trained me had been there a couple of years and she knew the skills of her job to a T, but not necessarily the theory and physiology behind them. She would hang and run gammaglobulin infusions that I wouldn't touch with a 10-foot pole since I didn't have any IV certs. I'm happy to say she went on to nursing school. She certainly had the aptitude for it!

I was also amazed that MA's were giving allergy shots. As an LPN in my prior job, I wasn't allowed to give them; the RN in the clinic had to.

Every MA that entered the allergy practice was expected to give allergy shots. And if the allergist didn't have that much confidence in them, they were put in the front office.

He always advertised for MA's when he needed to hire; I'm sure it was a cost of labor issue. The only reason I got hired was because I happened to send him an unsolicited resume, had previous allergy experience and was interested in learning more.

I've never had a problem working alongside MA's. Our background training was different, but I never noticed a real difference in job performance. Some were better than others, just like in everything. In fact, they knew things that I'd never had training in, like venipuncture and administration.

I'm currently looking for another specialty office job and expect that if I get one, I'll again be the only nurse there! Most of the offices around here prefer MA's because that's what they're trained for. If I can't find an office job that sounds interesting, I'm also considering returning to my roots and doing LTC or home health. I don't expect to run into any MA's there, however.

Lucydb · Jun 25, 2008

I was wondering about the same issue. In PA the LPN schools are virtually disappearing and being replaced with MA training. The salary offered MA's is much less than LPN but if the laws of supply and demand carry over perhaps this is the way to go.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jun 25, 2008

I do believe that the MA certification should somehow be combined with the CNA certification so that they can also work at nursing homes or hospitals as a PCA in case they experience difficulty obtaining a position in a private MDs office.

ink10300 · Jun 28, 2008

Exceptions:

In Alaska: under Alaska Statutes and The Alaska Administrative Code, properly trained and certified medical assistants can insert urinary catheters, and start IV tubing, and administer medications as ordered in that IV under the direction of a physician. However, these tasks, or any other patient care tasks CANNOT be delegated by a RN nurse in that state. As a matter of fact, medical assistants can't do anything supervised by a nurse. A medical doctor MUST be present at all times.

Where as an LPN works under the supervision of an RN- but one does not have to be in the building- or present at all times.

In Florida, you can also do things out of scope- so long as the delegating RN or MD is present. This includes IV chemo, blood products, and IV pushes- providing you have been properly trained and are under DIRECT supervision.

softstorms · Jun 28, 2008

I really do not think LPN's can do an IV "push" in any state.There is no Law that says an LPN can "push" any med. Not in Florida or any other state. When you say you are allowed to do things "out of your scope" in Florida, then I wonder where you get your information from? Nope, you can not. and you may need to check your facts.

doglover89 · Jun 28, 2008

Been there. I was a medical assistant who couldnt find a job that paid more than the local McDonalds. I went back to school and became an LPN. BIG difference in cirriculum and skills training. I once thought (incorrectly, I might add) that an LPN was a "glorified MA"... I was very wrong. Now I am working on getting my RN. Keep climbing if you want better pay and better jobs. Good luck!

AnnemRN · Jun 28, 2008

I just found this article on a medical assistant working beyond their scope with tragic results. If I were an MA, I think I would contact the medical board of the state I worked in for a list of procedures allowable and within my scope of practice. I don't think I would rely on what the physician says is okay, especially after reading this article.

www.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-01062008-1466490.html